JP7464650B2 - Work batch generation device, work batch generation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a work batch generation device, a work batch generation method, and a program.

Patent document 1 discloses a work batch generation device that generates a work batch in which work instructions are listed.

JP 2020-175978 A

In logistics warehouses, two or more items ordered by one customer can be picked up in parallel by multiple workers, allowing for efficient shipping of the items related to that order. However, as the number of items stored in a logistics warehouse increases and the warehouse expands, the amount of movement required by each worker increases, which can result in a decrease in overall work efficiency.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a work batch generation device, a work batch generation method, and a program that improve work efficiency in logistics warehouses.

A work batch generation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a work batch generation device that generates multiple work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of multiple parent lists to which multiple order information each including multiple product information associated with one of multiple storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, and includes: an acquisition means for acquiring the multiple order information; a list generation means for generating the multiple parent lists associated with each of the multiple product information by assigning one or more order information from the multiple order information; an area-specific movement amount calculation means for calculating an area-specific movement amount that is the sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking products related to the multiple product information associated with the parent list for each storage area; a parent list-specific movement amount calculation means for calculating a parent list-specific movement amount that is the sum of the area-specific movement amounts in each of the multiple parent lists; an exchange means for exchanging the order information between the multiple parent lists so as to reduce the sum of the parent list-specific movement amounts; and a work batch generation means for generating the multiple work batches based on each of the multiple parent lists after the exchange.

In addition, a work batch generation method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a work batch generation method for generating a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with one of the storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the work batch generation method including the steps of: acquiring the plurality of order information; generating the plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of product information by assigning one or more order information among the plurality of order information; calculating an area-specific movement amount, which is the sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking products related to the plurality of product information associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas; calculating a parent list-specific movement amount, which is the sum of the area-specific movement amounts, for each of the plurality of parent lists; exchanging the order information between the plurality of parent lists so as to reduce the sum of the parent list-specific movement amounts; and generating the plurality of work batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange.

In addition, a program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the generation of multiple work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of multiple parent lists to which multiple order information each containing multiple product information associated with one of multiple storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring the multiple order information; generating the multiple parent lists associated with each of the multiple product information by assigning one or more order information from the multiple order information; calculating an area-specific movement amount that is the sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking products related to the multiple product information associated with the parent list for each storage area; calculating a parent list-specific movement amount that is the sum of the area-specific movement amounts for each of the multiple parent lists; exchanging the order information between the multiple parent lists so as to reduce the sum of the parent list-specific movement amounts; and generating the multiple work batches based on each of the multiple parent lists after the exchange.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a logistics warehouse. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of storage shelves in storage areas A and B and the picking priorities assigned to the shelves. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the operation batch generation device. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions implemented in the operation batch generation device. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of order information received by the work batch generation device from an order receiving system. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work batch generated by a work batch generating device. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of a work batch generation process in the work batch generation device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for generating an initial parent list group in S2 of FIG. 7. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a process for generating an initial parent list. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area-specific list generation process in S3 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the second local search process in S5 of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of how the exchange is executed in S57 of FIG. 11 . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how work batches are assigned to each worker.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of logistics warehouse 10]
Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a logistics warehouse in this embodiment. Below, an example will be described in which a work batch generation device 100 (see Figs. 3 and 4) according to this embodiment is used in the logistics warehouse 10 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the logistics warehouse 10 is provided with a plurality of storage areas A to F.

Figure 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of storage shelves in storage areas A and B and the picking orders assigned to them. Figure 2 is a schematic and simplified overall view of storage areas A and B. Note that Figure 2 only shows storage areas A and B, and does not show other storage areas, but storage shelves with similar picking orders are arranged in the other storage areas as well.

In this embodiment, a work batch indicates the order in which picking workers (hereinafter simply referred to as workers) should pick items. The work batch is provided to each worker by being distributed on paper or displayed on an electronic terminal such as a tablet.

One or more workers are assigned to each of the storage areas A to F. In this embodiment, a worker is a person who picks up products from storage shelves S arranged in the logistics warehouse 10, places them in container boxes 15 (see FIG. 2), and carries them to the conveyor 11 (see FIG. 2). The worker picks up the products in the order specified by the work batch generated by the work batch generation device 100. Note that the worker is not limited to a human being, and may be a robot.

In this embodiment, each worker picks within the storage area for which he or she is responsible. That is, each worker does not move between different storage areas when performing a series of tasks based on one work batch.

Each storage area A-F may store multiple items of the same type. For example, multiple pairs of shoes may be stored in storage area A, and multiple jackets may be stored in storage area E. By dividing the logistics warehouse 10 into multiple areas in this way and having each worker pick only in their own area, the amount of movement (distance traveled) by each worker can be reduced. Also, because each storage area A-F stores items of the same type, workers can pick more efficiently compared to when multiple types of items are mixed.

The logistics warehouse 10 may be provided with a conveyor 11 and a sorting area 12. The conveyor 11 transports products that have been picked by workers in each of the storage areas A to F and placed in container boxes 15 to the sorting area 12. The conveyor 11 may extend adjacent to each of the storage areas A to F. In the sorting area 12, products are sorted according to their shipping destination, and further shipping operations such as packaging are performed in a shipping area not shown.

In each of the storage areas A to F, storage shelves S for storing inventory items may be aligned. In FIG. 2, the arrows extending from the black dots indicate the basic movement routes of workers. Each storage shelf S is assigned a picking order according to this basic movement route. The picking order indicates the priority of the picking order, and in FIG. 2, the smaller the number, the higher the priority. Note that the arrangement of the storage shelves S and the basic movement routes shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples and are not limiting.

Here, if the number of items picked by each worker is small, the number of items stored in one container box 15 will be small, and the number of container boxes 15 transported by the conveyor 11 will increase accordingly. If the number of container boxes 15 is large, the amount of sorting work in the sorting area 12 will increase. Furthermore, shipping work cannot proceed until all of the items included in the common order information have been transported to the sorting area 12, and items waiting to be shipped will accumulate in the sorting area 12. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, a work batch generation device 100 is provided that generates work batches that improve work efficiency. Details of the work batch generation device 100 are described below.

[Hardware configuration of the work batch generation device 100]
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the work batch generation device. The work batch generation device 100 is arranged, for example, in a corner of the logistics warehouse 10, and each time a predetermined number of order information is accumulated, it sorts them into work batches of the same number as the workers. The work batch generation device 100 may be configured with a general personal computer, and may include a processor 101 such as a CPU, a memory 102 such as a RAM, a storage 103, a communication interface 104, an input unit 105 such as a pointing device or a keyboard, a display 106 such as an LCD or an OLED, and a printer 107. The communication interface 104 is connected to a LAN or the Internet, and data communication is possible between an order receiving computer (not shown) and the work batch generation device 100. In particular, the work batch generation device 100 receives order data from the order receiving computer each time an order for a product is generated. The storage 103 may be an HDD or SSD, and a program for executing the work batch generation method according to the present disclosure is particularly installed. In addition, the order information received from the order receiving computer as described above is sequentially accumulated.

[Functional configuration of the work batch generation device 100]
Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions implemented in the work batch generation device. As shown in Fig. 4, the work batch generation device 100 may include an acquisition unit 21, a list generation unit 22, an area-specific movement amount calculation unit 23, a parent list-specific movement amount calculation unit 24, a total movement amount calculation unit 25, an exchange unit 26, and a work batch generation unit 27. Each of these functions may be implemented mainly by the processor 101.

The acquisition unit 21 acquires a plurality of pieces of order information, each of which includes a plurality of pieces of product information linked to one of a plurality of storage areas. The list generation unit 22 generates a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of pieces of product information by assigning one or more pieces of order information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to each of the plurality of pieces of order information. The list generation unit 22 also generates an area-specific list in each of the generated parent lists by combining product information associated with a common storage area among the plurality of pieces of product information associated with the parent lists. When the exchange unit 26 identifies order information to be exchanged between parent lists, the list generation unit 22 provisionally generates area-specific lists for each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange.

The area-specific movement amount calculation unit 23 calculates area-specific movement amounts TA, TB, TC, etc., which are the sum of the movement amounts of one or more workers when picking up products related to multiple product information items associated with a parent list for each storage area. The area-specific movement amounts TA, TB, TC, etc. are the movement amounts required to pick up all products included in each storage area in one parent list.

The parent list movement amount calculation unit 24 calculates parent list movement amounts T1, T2, T3..., which are the sum of area-specific movement amounts TA, TB, TC..., for each of multiple parent lists. Parent list movement amounts T1, T2, T3... are the movement amounts required to pick up all the products included in each parent list. In other words, parent list movement amount T1 = T1A + T1B + T1C +..., parent list movement amount T2 = T2A + T2B + T2C +..., parent list movement amount T3 = T3A + T3B + T3C +....

The total movement amount calculation unit 25 calculates the sum T of the movement amounts T1, T2, T3, etc. for each parent list. The sum T is the movement amount required to pick all items included in the order information acquired by the acquisition unit 21.

The exchange unit 26 exchanges order information between multiple parent lists so as to reduce the sum T of the movement amounts by parent list T1, T2, T3, etc. In this embodiment, the exchange unit 26 repeatedly exchanges order information between parent lists so as to make the sum T as small as possible. In addition, the exchange unit 26 identifies exchanges of order information between multiple parent lists that reduce the sum T of the movement amounts by parent list, based on the area-specific lists provisionally generated by the list generation unit 22.

The work batch generation unit 27 generates one or more work batches based on the parent list after the exchange of order information by the exchange unit 26. More specifically, the work batch generation unit 27 generates work batches in the same number as the number of workers who perform work in each storage area based on the area-specific list generated in each of the multiple parent lists after the exchange of order information by the exchange unit 26.

[Order Information]
5 is a diagram showing an example of order information received by the work batch generation device from the order receiving system. The order information indicates the contents of one order and includes information on multiple products requested for delivery by the customer in accordance with the order. In FIG. 5, order information O1 including product information M1 and M2 is shown as an example.

Each item of product information may include, for example, the item's ID and storage location information in the logistics warehouse 10. The storage location information may include at least information regarding the storage area in which the storage shelf S in which the item is stored is located and the picking order of the storage shelf S in which the item is stored. The storage location information may further include more detailed information regarding the storage location of the item, such as the position coordinates of the storage shelf S in which the item is stored.

[Work batch]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a work batch generated by a work batch generation device. In the work batches B1, B2, B3, ..., the product information assigned to the work batch is described in the order in which the products should be picked. For example, a worker to whom the work batch B1 shown in FIG. 6 is assigned first picks the product related to the product information M12, and then picks the product related to the product information M14. After the worker to whom the work batch B1 is assigned completes all the picking work shown in the work batch B1, another work batch may be assigned to him/her. The number of product information included in each work batch B1, B2, B3, ... may be limited to a predetermined number or less.

When distributing work batches to workers in electronic data format, the work batch generation device 100 transmits data of work batches B1, B2, B3, ... to electronic terminals carried by each worker via the communication interface 104. When distributing work batches on paper media, the work batch generation device 100 prints out work batches B1, B2, B3, ... using the printer 107.

[Work batch generation process]
The work batch generation process performed by the work batch generation device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of a work batch generation process in the work batch generation device. The process shown in Figure 7 is realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the storage 103.

As shown in FIG. 7, the work batch generation device 100 first reads and acquires the order information group stored in the storage 103 (S1). For example, it is advisable to read the order information group each time n pieces of order information (order information O1, O2, ... On) are accumulated in the storage 103. Next, an initial parent list group is generated based on the order information group acquired in S1 (S2). Note that the initial parent list is the parent list before the generation of area-specific lists and the exchange of order information described below are performed, i.e., before the optimization process is performed.

Next, an area-specific list is generated based on the initial parent lists (S3). Next, an initial work batch group is generated using a first local search (S4). Furthermore, a second local search is performed (S5) to optimize the work batch group. After that, the work batch generation device 100 outputs work batches B1, B2, B3, ... via the printer 107 or the communication interface 104 (S6). The output work batches are assigned to each of the multiple workers.

Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing an example of the process of generating an initial parent list group in S2 of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of the process of generating an initial parent list group.

In the process of generating the initial parent lists, first, the order information group acquired by the acquisition unit 21 is sorted based on the picking order of the product information included in each piece of order information (S21). The picking order corresponds to the numbers shown in FIG. 2. The picking order indicates the picking priority in each storage area, but in S21, information on the storage area linked to the product information is not taken into account. In other words, multiple pieces of order information are sorted based on the picking priority, regardless of the storage area.

Specifically, first, the product information with the highest picking order rank among the product information included in each acquired order information is selected as the representative product information for that order information. Then, the order information is arranged in descending order of the picking rank of the representative product information. Figure 9 shows an example in which the picking rank of the representative product information in order information O1 is "9", the picking rank of the representative product information in order information O2 is "5", and the picking rank of the representative product information in order information O3 is "2". Therefore, in the example in Figure 9, the order is rearranged in the order of order information O3, order information O2, ... order information O1....

Next, the rearranged order information is assigned to one of the initial parent lists PL1, PL2, PL3, etc. (S22). The number of initial parent lists and the maximum number of order information items that can be assigned to an initial parent list are preferably set in advance according to the number of workers working in the logistics warehouse 10.

Figure 9 shows an example in which order information O3 and O2, which include representative product information with a high picking order, are assigned to parent list PL1, and order information O1, which includes representative product information with a low picking order, is assigned to parent list PL2.

Note that the process for generating the initial parent list described with reference to FIG. 8 is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, the initial parent list may be generated by randomly allocating a predetermined number of pieces of order information.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing a schematic example of the process of generating a list by area in S3 of Figure 7. The list by area is a list that is constructed by combining multiple pieces of product information included in the parent list for each storage area associated with that product information. The list by area is uniquely determined based on the current parent list.

Figure 10 shows an example in which area-specific lists LA, LB, etc. are generated by combining multiple pieces of product information included in order information O3, O2, etc., included in the initial parent list PL1 for each storage area associated with each of the multiple pieces of product information. Although not shown in the figure, area-specific lists are also generated in the initial parent lists PL2, PL3, etc.

After the area-specific lists shown in FIG. 10 are generated, a first local search is used to generate initial work batches for each of the initial parent lists PL1, PL2, PL3, etc. (S4 in FIG. 7). This process may use simulated annealing, which is one of the well-known local search algorithms. The first local search may generate initial work batches for each area-specific list in each initial parent list such that the total amount of movement of workers who perform picking in each storage area is minimized.

Figure 11 is a flow diagram showing the second local search process in S5 of Figure 7. This process uses simulated annealing, which is one of the known local search algorithms. In this process, order information for exchange candidates is selected from each parent list (S51). Then, for all exchanges related to the exchange candidates, a provisional area-specific list is generated (S52). The provisional area-specific list may be generated by a process similar to the process shown in Figure 10 for each parent list after the exchange. Furthermore, for all exchanges related to the exchange candidates, a provisional work batch group is generated using the first local search (S53). This process may be a process similar to the process in S4 of Figure 7.

Furthermore, for all exchanges related to exchange candidates, the change in the sum T of the movement amounts of all workers working in the logistics warehouse 10 is calculated (S54). Then, the exchange with the largest decrease in the sum T is identified (S55). If the sum T decreases before and after the identified exchange is performed (YES in S56), the exchange is executed (S57). On the other hand, even if the sum T does not change or increases before and after the identified exchange is performed (NO in S56), the exchange is executed probabilistically (S58).

Then, the process returns to S51 and is repeated until the number of iterations of the processes from S51 to S58 reaches the upper limit N (S59). If the number of iterations of the processes from S51 to S58 is equal to or greater than the upper limit N (YES in S59), a work batch group is generated based on the current parent list group (S510). Note that in S58, the probability of performing an exchange may be lowered the more the number of iterations up to the present time.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of how the exchange in S57 of Figure 11 is performed. Figure 12 shows how order information O2 included in parent list PL1 is exchanged with order information O1 included in parent list PL2.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how work batches are assigned to each worker. In Figure 13, work batches B1 and B2 generated based on the area-specific list LA included in the parent list PL1 are assigned to two workers working in storage area A, and work batch B3 generated based on the area-specific list LB included in the parent list PL2 is assigned to one worker working in storage area B.

In the present embodiment described above, multiple parent lists are generated each time a predetermined number of order information is accumulated, and products are picked for each of the multiple parent lists, so that products related to multiple product information included in the common order information can be picked in parallel. Therefore, the time difference between the timing of picking products related to multiple product information included in the common order information is reduced, and delays in sorting and shipping work performed after picking are suppressed. In addition, by dividing the logistics warehouse 10 into multiple areas and having each worker pick only in his or her own area, the amount of movement (travel distance) of each worker can be reduced. In addition, by performing an exchange process of order information between each parent list so that the sum T decreases, the number of area-specific lists included in each parent list is reduced as a result. Therefore, the number of product information included in each area-specific list can be increased, and the number of products that can be stored in one container box 15 can be sufficiently secured. As a result, the number of container boxes transported to the sorting area 12 is reduced, and the amount of sorting work in the sorting area 12 can be reduced.

[Additional Notes]
The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and such modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the work batch generation device 100, the work batch generation method, and the program can be configured as follows.

(1)
A work batch generation device that generates a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with one of a plurality of storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the work batch generation device comprising:
An acquisition means for acquiring the plurality of pieces of order information;
a list generating means for generating a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of pieces of product information by assigning one or more pieces of order information to each of the plurality of pieces of order information;
an area-specific movement amount calculation means for calculating an area-specific movement amount which is a sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking up products related to the multiple product information items associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas;
a parent list movement amount calculation means for calculating a parent list movement amount, which is a sum of the area movement amounts, for each of the plurality of parent lists;
an exchange means for exchanging the order information between the plurality of parent lists so as to reduce the sum of the transfer amounts for each parent list;
a task batch generating means for generating the task batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange;
A work batch generating device comprising:
(2)
the list generating means generates an area-specific list by combining, in each of the parent lists, product information associated with a common storage area among the plurality of product information associated with the parent lists.
The work batch generation device according to (1).
(3)
the task batch generation means generates the task batches in the same number as the number of the one or more workers based on the area-specific lists generated in each of the plurality of parent lists after the replacement.
A work batch generation device as described in (2).
(4)
the list generating means, when identifying the order information to be exchanged by the exchanging means, provisionally generates the area-specific lists in each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange;
the exchange means identifies an exchange of the order information between the plurality of parent lists that reduces a sum of the movement amounts by parent list, based on the provisionally generated list by area.
The work batch generation device according to (2) or (3).
(5)
Each of the plurality of pieces of product information includes information regarding a picking order in the storage area associated with the corresponding piece of product information,
the list generation means assigns the plurality of pieces of order information to any one of the plurality of parent lists based on the picking order.
The work batch generation device according to any one of (1) to (4).
(6)
A work batch generation method for generating a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with any one of a plurality of storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the method comprising:
acquiring the plurality of pieces of order information;
generating a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of product information by assigning one or more order information among the plurality of order information;
a step of calculating an area-specific movement amount which is a sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking up products related to the plurality of product information items associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas;
calculating a parent list-specific movement amount, which is a sum of the area-specific movement amounts, for each of the parent lists;
exchanging the order information between the parent lists so as to reduce the total sum of the transfer amounts for each parent list;
generating the plurality of work batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange;
A work batch generation method including:
(7)
A program that causes a computer to execute generation of a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with one of a plurality of storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the program comprising:
obtaining the plurality of pieces of order information;
generating a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of product information by assigning one or more order information among the plurality of order information;
a step of calculating an area-specific movement amount which is a sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking up products related to the plurality of product information items associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas;
calculating a parent list-specific movement amount, which is a sum of the area-specific movement amounts, for each of the parent lists;
a step of exchanging the order information between the plurality of parent lists so as to reduce a sum of the transfer amounts for each parent list;
generating the plurality of work batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the replacement;
A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Logistics warehouse, 11 Conveyor, 12 Sorting area, 15 Container box, 21 Acquisition unit, 22 List generation unit, 23 Area-specific movement amount calculation unit, 24 Parent list-specific movement amount calculation unit, 25 Total movement amount calculation unit, 26 Exchange unit, 27 Work batch generation unit, 100 Work batch generation device, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Storage, 104 Communication interface, 105 Input unit, 106 Display, 107 Printer.

Claims (7)

A work batch generation device that generates a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with one of a plurality of storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the work batch generation device comprising:
An acquisition means for acquiring the plurality of pieces of order information;
a list generating means for generating a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of pieces of product information by assigning one or more pieces of order information to each of the plurality of pieces of order information;
an area-specific movement amount calculation means for calculating an area-specific movement amount which is a sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking up products related to the multiple product information items associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas;
a parent list movement amount calculation means for calculating a parent list movement amount, which is a sum of the area movement amounts, for each of the plurality of parent lists;
an exchange means for exchanging the order information between the plurality of parent lists so as to reduce the sum of the transfer amounts for each parent list;
a task batch generating means for generating the task batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange;
A work batch generating device comprising: the list generating means generates an area-specific list by combining, in each of the parent lists, product information associated with a common storage area among the plurality of product information associated with the parent lists.
The work batch generating apparatus according to claim 1 . the task batch generation means generates the task batches in the same number as the number of the one or more workers based on the area-specific lists generated in each of the plurality of parent lists after the replacement.
The work batch generating apparatus according to claim 2 . the list generating means, when identifying the order information to be exchanged by the exchanging means, provisionally generates the area-specific lists in each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange;
the exchange means identifies an exchange of the order information between the plurality of parent lists that reduces a sum of the movement amounts by parent list, based on the provisionally generated list by area.
4. The work batch generating device according to claim 2 or 3. Each of the plurality of pieces of product information includes information regarding a picking order in the storage area associated with the corresponding piece of product information,
the list generation means assigns the plurality of pieces of order information to any one of the plurality of parent lists based on the picking order.
The work batch generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A work batch generation method in which a computer generates a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with one of a plurality of storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the method comprising:
The computer,
acquiring the plurality of pieces of order information;
generating a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of product information by assigning one or more order information among the plurality of order information;
calculating an area-specific movement amount, which is a sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking up products related to the plurality of product information items associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas;
calculating a parent list-specific movement amount, which is a sum of the area-specific movement amounts, for each of the parent lists;
exchanging the order information between the parent lists so as to reduce the total sum of the transfer amounts for each parent list;
generating the plurality of work batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the exchange;
A work batch generation method to execute . A program that causes a computer to execute generation of a plurality of work batches to be used by one or more workers working in each storage area when picking products related to orders for each of a plurality of parent lists to which a plurality of order information each including a plurality of product information associated with one of a plurality of storage areas provided in a logistics warehouse is assigned, the program comprising:
obtaining the plurality of pieces of order information;
generating a plurality of parent lists associated with each of the plurality of product information by assigning one or more order information among the plurality of order information;
a step of calculating an area-specific movement amount which is a sum of the movement amounts of the one or more workers when picking up products related to the plurality of product information items associated with the parent list for each of the storage areas;
calculating a parent list-specific movement amount, which is a sum of the area-specific movement amounts, for each of the parent lists;
a step of exchanging the order information between the plurality of parent lists so as to reduce a sum of the transfer amounts for each parent list;
generating the plurality of work batches based on each of the plurality of parent lists after the replacement;
A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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